western caribbean princess cruise reviews

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9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean

• Caribbean Cruises
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• Mexico and Caribbean
• Types of Travel

Western Caribbean cruises offer an enticing blend of spectacular beaches, reef-filled turquoise waters, thrilling adventures, ancient archeological sites, and amazing nature-related experiences. These warm-weather sailings provide exciting activities and attractions for all ages and interests.

Western Caribbean cruise ports can include sunny islands, towns along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and Central American Caribbean destinations in Honduras and Belize. Cruise lines offer a wide variety of Western Caribbean itineraries from easy-to-reach homeports along the southern U.S. coast.

I was invited to sail with Princess Cruises on one of its Royal Class and MedallionClass ships, Sky Princess .

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat cruise line, and relaxation, reconnection, and renewal are the name of the game. You won’t find massive water slides or go-kart tracks on the top decks of these ships. There are tons of pools, hot tubs, and lounge areas instead.

Here are nine reasons why you’ll love sailing with Princess Cruises.

1. MedallionClass Technology

Princess Cruises’ award-winning MedallionClass technology offers a distinct advantage, making life onboard easier and hassle-free. The Princess MedallionClass experience uses a wearable, quarter-sized Medallion device and the line’s MedallionClass app to activate numerous benefits. Some of my favorites include unlocking stateroom doors, ordering food and drinks for delivery, quickly checking onboard expenses, and finding family members anywhere on the ship.

Download the MedallionClass app well in advance so you can get familiar with it and get OceanReady . You can customize your Medallion device through the MedallionClass app when ordered well ahead of time, and it will be delivered to your home before your cruise. Guests can also pick up their medallions at embarkation.

Pro Tips: There’s a MedallionClass presentation in the Princess Live! Lounge on embarkation day. If you miss it, staff are available at OceanFront on Deck 7 to provide assistance throughout the cruise.

2. Exciting Shore Excursions

Princess Cruises offers a wide variety of shore excursions in each of their Caribbean ports of call. Western Caribbean shore excursions range from exploring ancient Mayan ruins to beach escapes, zip line adventures, wildlife encounters, and brewery tours. There are appealing options for all age groups, allowing guests to explore their unique interests. Two of my favorite shore excursions were our multi-hour luxury catamaran sail and snorkel trip in Cozumel and a fun-filled Belize airboat tour complete with sightings of a baby manatee, crocodiles, and brightly colored birds.

Princess Cruises also offers unique tours recommended by two well-known names in adventure and exploration — Discovery and Animal Planet. Discovery and Animal Planet recommended shore excursions are exclusive small-group offerings that provide enriching, immersive experiences. These include scuba diving expeditions, Mayan ruin explorations, cave tubing adventures, and culinary workshops.

Make sure to read shore excursion descriptions carefully for details on pricing, required age and fitness levels, weight and medical restrictions, and other topics. Guests with mobility issues should make note of any excursions requiring walking on uneven surfaces. In addition, check to see if you’ll need to bring along items such as water shoes and reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen.

Pro Tip: Book your shore excursions immediately after your final cruise payment, as popular tours can sell out quickly.

3. Outstanding Service

Warm, welcoming service is one of the hallmarks of the Princess cruise experience. Sky Princess carries close to 1,400 hard-working crew members, and the service on our sailing was exceptional. Guests are treated royally on this ship.

Crew members in every Sky Princess venue went out of their way to ensure we were happy, and other guests on board raved about the superb service. The ship’s MedallionClass technology makes it easier for crew members to provide highly personalized service, but their warm smiles and friendly greetings come straight from the heart.

Pro Tip: Connecting with friendly crew members is often a cruise highlight. They are an excellent source of information, so make sure to ask if you need insights or assistance.

4. Included Dining Options

Sky Princess features over a dozen dining options for guests to enjoy. The ship has three main dining rooms where meals are included as part of the cruise fare. We enjoyed two dinners in the Cielo main dining room and breakfast in the Soleil dining venue on one day at sea. While all were fine, we tended to prefer the many casual included dining options available on Sky Princess .

World Fresh Marketplace and Alfredo’s Pizzeria were two of my favorites. World Fresh Marketplace offers a wide variety of food stations with an impressive selection of menu items, particularly for lunch and dinner. One of the most popular areas is the Pastry Shop, serving delectable desserts and afternoon tea items. The restaurant also features a dedicated vegan station and vegetarian options.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria is one of the top pizzerias at sea, and their made-to-order pizzas, pasta, and calzones were superb. This complimentary, full-service restaurant offers numerous pizza choices as well as antipasti, soup, salad, and desserts. Alfredo’s Pizzeria is popular for lunch and dinner, so arrive early.

Additional complimentary dining venues on Sky Princess include the International Café, Swirls, Slice, and the Salty Dog Grill, plus room service. The 24-hour International Café was our go-to spot for specialty coffees, which cost extra.

Pro Tip: World Fresh Market has different daily themes and specials, which are listed in the Princess Patter daily newsletter. Don’t miss the Pastry Extravaganza on your last day at sea.

5. Memorable Specialty Restaurants

One of Princess Cruises’ key strengths is dining, and the paid dining experiences on Sky Princess were some of the high points of our cruise. I sampled almost all of the ship’s specialty restaurants , which were exceptional.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria is a Princess Cruises signature restaurant serving traditional Italian specialties, and their freshly made pasta, seafood entrees, and decadent desserts were superb. The award-winning Crown Grill is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or celebration, and I would strongly recommend dining here at least once during your voyage. Renowned 3-Michelin Star chef Emmanuel Renaut created a menu of tantalizing French dishes for Bistro Sur La Mer , and our appetizers, entrees, and desserts were exquisite.

Another added-fee restaurant stood out on Sky Princess . Gelato serves certified authentic Italian gelato, and it’s the best I’ve had at sea. The gelateria offers numerous flavors, plus toppings and sauces are available.

Pro Tip: Make specialty dining reservations as soon as you have made your final cruise payment for the best selection of dates and dining times.

6. Pools And Lounge Areas

Sun decks and pool areas are popular on Caribbean cruises, and Sky Princess is designed to handle the demand. Guests on Sky Princess can choose from multiple pools , hot tubs, and lounge zones which are perfect for relaxing. We could always find lounge chairs around one of the ship’s pools, even on busy sea days. With the ship at almost full capacity, that was a big plus.

Don’t miss the hot tubs along the ship’s sides on Deck 17 and the adults-only Retreat Pool on Deck 17 forward. That two-level Retreat area is quieter and was one of my favorite places to chill out on Sky Princess .

Pro Tips: The Wakeview infinity pool on Deck 16 aft can be a beautiful place to have coffee and watch spectacular sunrises. The glass-floored Seawalk on Deck 16 is a popular spot for photos and videos.

7. The Lotus Spa

Princess Cruises’ Lotus Spa offers a wide range of spa treatments , including massages, wraps, facials, and salon services for both women and men. Spa services are in high demand, so book treatments in advance for the best selections of dates and times. The spa staff on Sky Princess is superb, and my hot stone massage was one of the best I’ve had.

The spa also includes The Enclave , a fee-based thermal suite area with a hydrotherapy pool, a Turkish hammam steam bath, an aromatherapy steam room, a heated Laconium dry chamber, heated stone beds, and other features. It’s a relaxing oasis, and passes are required.

Pro Tip: Spa specials may be available on port days. Passes for The Enclave thermal suite can only be purchased onboard the ship, so head to the Lotus Spa on embarkation day to make your reservations.

8. Movies Under The Stars

Sky Princess offers entertainment options for a wide variety of ages and interests, including live music, karaoke, trivia, musical production shows, enrichment talks, spa seminars, and a myriad of games and programs in the Princess Live! Lounge. The cruise line also features Camp Discovery Youth Center programs for kids and teens, making Princess Cruises an excellent choice for multigenerational family groups.

One of our favorite activities was enjoying Movies Under the Stars on the ship’s massive outdoor LED screen. Watching Top Gun: Maverick under a full moon was one of our cruise highlights, and snacking on complimentary popcorn made the experience even more fun.

Pro Tip: Movie schedules are available in Princess Patter daily newsletter, the MedallionClass app’s JourneyView activities timeline, or on the ship’s interactive touch screen portals.

9. The Sanctuary

This quiet adults-only retreat was another of my favorite spaces on Sky Princess , and it’s a lovely place to enjoy panoramic ocean views. The Sanctuary offers guests an exclusive spa-like setting complete with plush loungers, a hot tub, specialty beverages, light meals, and even afternoon tea. The Sanctuary’s Serenity Stewards provide attentive service for guests throughout their visit.

The Sanctuary is adjacent to the two-level adults-only Retreat Pool area on Sky Princess , providing convenient access to its pool and hot tubs. There’s an extra charge to access The Sanctuary, and I thought the experience was well worth the cost. Guests can reserve loungers for $20 for a half-day or $40 for the full day, and more expensive private cabanas are also available.

Pro Tip: Reservations for The Sanctuary can only be made onboard the ship. Advance booking is essential, and it’s best to purchase your passes on embarkation day. Guests can also book alfresco massages in The Sanctuary through the Lotus Spa.

We spent a week exploring tropical ports and enjoying adventures and activities in the Western Caribbean. Sky Princess has a capacity for 3,660 passengers. Although we had nearly that amount on our cruise, the ship never felt crowded. Our Caribbean sailing was a relaxing vacation experience, and we returned home with fabulous memories of our adventures and time together.

Related Reading:

• 4 Amazing Cruise Deals To Book Right Now, Plus Tips For Picking The Perfect Destination
• 8 Reasons A Two-Night Or Three-Night Cruise May Be Right For You
• 5 Things I Loved And 2 I Didn’t Cruising Solo On Norwegian Prima

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

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Western Caribbean Cruises

Mayan ruins, natural wonders and a deep dive into local culture.

Top-rated Western Caribbean Large Ship Cruise Lines

Cruise Critic

Ancient Mayan ruins rise up from the jungle floor, breaking the pristine beauty of the rainforest to remind all who cruise the Western Caribbean of its deep cultural heritage. White-sand beaches and pristine azure waters are just the beginning with this region of the Caribbean. With just a little exploration on a Western Caribbean cruise, you can open up a world of jungle adventures, breathtaking barrier reefs and powerful cultural connections unlike any other.

Featured Western Caribbean Cruise Ports

Take a closer look at the most popular Western Caribbean Cruise ports (plus our departure ports).

• Belize City
• Grand Cayman
• Ft. Lauderdale

Nestled among lush rainforests teeming with life and situated on the western edge of the Caribbean Sea, Belize City is a paradise for those looking to have an unparalleled eco adventure. Take a relaxing inner tube ride down a river and through ancient caves once used for rituals by the Maya, ride horses through a stunning nature park with hundreds of species, and snorkel through the northern hemisphere's largest barrier reef on a cruise to Belize!

Cruise to Cozumel, which was once the home to the legendary Mayan goddess of the moon, Ixchel, and the moment you step onto this tropical wonder you'll understand why they believed a goddess called this island home. From white-sand beaches and azure waters to snorkeling through an immense coral reef and exploring ancient Mayan ruins, Cozumel is one of the most dynamic Caribbean cruise ports.

Galveston Island is a quaint city with historic charm where you'll get the feel for "island time." Explore Historic Pleasure Pier and enjoy some Texas foods, or visit the Moody Gardens with attractions like a world-class aquarium and living rainforest. Spend some time admiring the city’s museums, shopping its curated boutiques or strolling its colorful streets full of art and architecture.

Cruise to Grand Cayman, once home to pirates and scoundrels striking fear into all who sailed near, now stands as one of the most prosperous islands in the entire Caribbean. Meet sea turtles and stingrays in their natural habitats, snorkel through breathtaking shipwrecks and stroll through the capital of Georgetown for world-class dining, shopping and historic architecture.

Surrounded by some of the most vibrant, healthy coral reefs of the Caribbean and filled with Bermudan-British history, Grand Turks is a rich island destination for anyone looking for the complete Caribbean cruise experience. Explore the nearby Gibb's Cay and swim with stingrays, discover the vibrant history of the island from 700 A.D. to today, or explore the beauty of the island from a dune buggy.

Sitting atop an ancient coral reef system, surrounded by gorgeous crystal blue waters and featuring a lush tropical environment, the island of Roatan looks every bit the Caribbean wonderland. Visit the local iguana farm with over 3,000 iguanas roaming the grounds, snorkel and dive the pristine local reefs or sunken ships and Mayan artifacts, or just sit on the picture-perfect beach and relax without a care in the world.

The "Venice of America" has been the premier destination for spring breakers for almost six decades, but don't let that fool you into thinking the city is one big party. From the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to an amazingly rich biosphere, to seven miles of white-sand beaches, Ft. Lauderdale is a beautifully diverse city.

Top-Rated Caribbean Beaches

• Dominican Republic

Sosua Beach, Dominican Republic

The peaceful blue water and golden sands of Sosua Beach are picture perfect, but the real star of this beach is the atmosphere. The entire beach vibrates with excitement, fun and the sounds of locals and travelers reveling in a true Caribbean atmosphere. Lounge on the shore, snorkel through a coral reef, or grab a delicious lunch from a local cooking Dominican specialties, and fall in love with the vibe.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Idyllic white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see in both directions, brilliant blue water beyond that and endless opportunities for activities makes Seven Mile Beach one of the best in the world. Enjoy bars, resorts, boutiques and restaurants when you're not drinking in the stunning scenery. Visit Seven Mile Beach on your Grand Cayman cruise!

Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Jamaica

One of the most popular beaches in Jamaica with both locals and travelers, Ocho Rios Bay Beach has everything needed for a relaxing day enjoying the Caribbean weather. Soft sand, crystal-clear water, plentiful loungers and ice-cold beverages. Visit Ocho Rios Bay Beach on a Jamaican cruise!

What Will You Do on a Western Caribbean Cruise?

Explore experiences you can have here, from swimming beneath waterfalls to traveling back in time

Island shore excursions

Experience the best the Western Caribbean has to offer with award-winning shore excursions that immerse you in thrilling experiences, unique culinary delights and peaceful rejuvenation. Explore ancient ruins once home to the Mayan people, swim with stingrays in the waters they call home or snorkel through shipwrecks now hosting the Caribbean’s vibrant species.

Late night departures

The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays in ports such as Cozumel let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.

Caribbean Cruise Onboard Experience & Featured Program

With award-winning onboard programs, regional cuisine from world-class chefs and celebrations of Caribbean life, Princess makes your ship a destination all its own.

Comfortable accommodations

Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and specially created SLEEP program by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.

Bringing local life aboard

Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.

Never miss a beat

Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands.

Deeper experiences of the islands

Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage.

Discovery at Sea

Sharks, pirates and stars — oh my!

Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise! Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channel’s™ Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience.

Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean

Recharging your batteries.

Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa® with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate.

Celebrations

The perfect place to celebrate

Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. For us, every day is a celebration.

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean, hopping between tropical islands and white-sand beaches from the comfortable luxury of your ship. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Food & Drinks

The flavors of the islands

The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Movies Under the Stars®

Outdoor cinema at its best

Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars!

Sailing with your crew

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.

Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.

2024-2025 Caribbean Cruises

There’s no better way to truly experience the laid-back Caribbean than with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Whether you’re a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess.

Best Caribbean Cruises

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman

From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections

See the Caribbean through our guests' eyes.

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Western Caribbean Cruise on the Regal Princess

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Grant

In November 2021, Grant and I took our first cruise since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This particular cruise was a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise with Princess Cruise Lines on the Regal Princess with a couple of our dear friends, Dave and Jen. While dealing with the COVID-19 protocols was a little cumbersome, overall it was a great experience and we were reminded why we’ve come to love cruising so much!

While the cruise itself was fantastic, cruising with friends was probably the best part of it. We’ve done other cruises with family and friends and we’ve also done cruises just the two of us. Since we live together, work together, and generally travel together, it’s always nice to have other people along to share in the fun.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Cruising and COVID-19

If you haven’t yet cruised in the world of COVID-19, you might be wondering how that affects the experience. And, like many things these days, that’s difficult to predict since things change so frequently and vary so much across the country. But, we’ll share our experience to give you some idea of what to expect.

First, it’s important to note that we somehow planned our cruise for the magical time when cruising started to really pick back up but before the crowds hit a peak. Also, our cruise was just before Thanksgiving 2021, right before the massive COVID-19 surge in early 2022. In terms of the timing, that made it just about perfect.

Our cruise was initially supposed to be just 3 nights to Princess Cays, the cruise lines’ private island in the Bahamas. A month or two before the cruise Princess changed the itinerary to a 5-night cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya without any additional fees for current guests. We certainly couldn’t complain about more cruise for the same price!

Prior to the cruise, we had to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative test. This is fairly standard for all cruise lines these days. And, we understand that it’s a necessary step to keep most people healthy.

Once onboard, we found the ship to be at only about 20% capacity. In fact, from what we heard, there actually were more crew members on board than passengers! This meant essentially no wait anywhere and no worries of large crowds. We did need to wear a mask when walking around and in the large theater but were otherwise free to take it off when seated.

Western Caribbean Itinerary

Our itinerary took us to two ports in Mexico: Cozumel and Costa Maya. While we technically had been to Cozumel before, our excursion on that trip got canceled and we ended up just staying on the ship. So, it really felt like two new ports for us… well, for me anyway. Grant went to Cozumel several times before we started dating when he was doing a lot of SCUBA diving.

In Cozumel, we did a Jeep and snorkel excursion at Punta Sur, an ecological park with white sandy beaches, a lighthouse with an observation deck providing 360-degree views and some of the best snorkeling around. While the Jeep we had was not in the best shape, it was still nice to drive ourselves and get to explore some of what Cozumel is best known for!

Read about our experiences at Punta Sur here.

Costa Maya is farther south, near the Belize border, and is basically a small fishing town that has built a cruise dock to provide tourism. There is a nice shopping and dining area right at the dock but once you leave that area there really isn’t much to the town. We took an excursion to the Chacchoben Maya Ruins, which is about an hour away by bus. At the ruins, we enjoyed a guided tour past several temples and even saw some spider monkeys.

In addition to our two days in port, we had two at-sea days. While exploring the ports is one of our favorite parts of cruising, we also enjoy being on the ship and just relaxing. Having one day at the beginning and one day at the end really was absolutely perfect for us.

Read about our visit to Costa Maya here.

On Board the Regal Princess

We have now cruised with Princess, Royal Caribbean , and Norwegian . One thing that we are consistently impressed with is how all the cruise lines make sure that the cruise ship is appropriate for the itinerary. When there are more at-sea days, you’ll generally find larger ships with a wide variety of onboard entertainment. Shorter itineraries with more days in port tend to have smaller ships and fewer onboard activities. That said, even the smaller ships provide plenty of options for the amount of time available.

Dining on the Regal Princess

One thing we liked about the Regal Princess is the variety of options for complimentary dining.

The Regal Princess has three main dining rooms: the Symphony Dining Room on Deck 5 and the Allegro and Concerto Dining Rooms on Deck 6. As is fairly standard these days, guests can make individual reservations for whatever dining room and time they prefer each night. Generally, we would make a point to dine in all the various dining rooms just for a change of pace but only one was open during our cruise based on the limited number of passengers on board.

Still, the variety of foods just in the main dining room kept things interesting for us. Over the course of our six days, we enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Each night, the menu will include several standard dishes such as pasta or chicken but also rotating specialty appetizers and entrees such as beef tartare, pork medallions, or duck. 

While all the food onboard the Regal Princess was fantastic, I have to say that the desserts were some of the best we’ve ever had! From ice cream to turnovers and just about anything chocolate, make sure you plan ahead so you can end your meal with a sweet treat.

Other Complimentary Dining Options

We generally enjoy the experience of the dining room for many meals. That’s usually where you’ll find the most variety, which is great if you’re feeding a large group. Sometimes, though, you want something a little more casual or just want a change of scenery.

Perhaps our favorite of the complimentary dining options was Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Deck 6. Seriously, this was some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. And we spent nearly a month in Italy back in 2013, where we pretty much ate our weight in pizza. With a perfectly thin crust to a flavorful yet light sauce and fresh toppings, everything about the pizza at Alfredo’s was on point. They also serve salads, calzones, and desserts if you aren’t interested in pizza.

Another great option for any meal or snack is the International Cafe on Deck 5. Here, you can easily pick up a yogurt parfait or pastry in the morning and a sandwich or salad later in the day. They also carry a variety of small bites such as carrots and hummus and a wide selection of desserts if you just want a quick snack. With counter-service only, the food is definitely geared to be grab-and-go but we appreciated being able to get something quick at any time throughout the day or night.

Finally, the Horizon Court buffet was open, though with limited offerings and altered serving procedures. Honestly, as we get older we have less patience for the general chaos that you find around the buffet, especially at prime meal times. Additionally, the limited options at the buffet during this particular cruise left us underwhelmed. Still, it’s a nice area and having attendants dish up food is a good move to meet updated health guidelines.

In addition to all of these options, there is also the Trident Grill outside by the pool that serves up basic hamburgers and hot dogs during the day. At night, you’ll find a variety of barbecue and chicken wings.

As you can see, the Regal Princess provides some of the best options for complimentary dining that we’ve found on any cruise ship. There is a wide variety and everyone should be able to find something they can enjoy with no additional charge.

Pro Tip: There’s one other spot aboard the Regal Princess you can get complimentary dining and it is a bit hidden. On at-sea days, the Crown Grill, which is one of the premium specialty restaurants, offers a Pub Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. This special lunch offers British-style pub fare, including bangers and mash, fish and chips, and steak and kidney pie. We snagged a table on the last day of the cruise and we all loved the meal.

Specialty Dining

Of course, sometimes it is worth it to spend a little extra money for a unique experience or a special occasion. The Regal Princess has several specialty restaurants, including Crown Grill (a steakhouse), Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria (serving signature pastas) and Ocean Terrace (a seafood bar).

We opted for dinner at the Crown Grill, which has been recognized as one of the best cruise ship steakhouses by USA Today. When it comes to restaurants, steakhouses are some of our favorites and the Crown Grill definitely did not disappoint!

As you would expect, the steak was divine and the accompanying salts definitely added just the right touch to elevate the flavor. I have to admit, though, the Black and Blue Onion Soup stole the show. Our friend, Dave, who was with us on the cruise, found a copycat recipe online. One day, we’ll see if we can recreate the dish, which includes a bit of Jack Daniels whiskey. 

There is also the Vines Wines Bar, which is generally something we would enjoy. After paying for the drink package, though, we just didn’t want to pay even more to check it out. That said, the fee does include tapas and antipasti, so you could easily enjoy it as a light meal.

We did indulge in the Gelato bar, though. I always have a soft spot for ice cream and it’s an even softer spot for gelato. While the two are very similar, gelato has less butterfat and, interestingly, fewer calories than ice cream. I definitely can’t argue with fewer calories! I won’t say that it was the best gelato I’ve ever had but it was tasty and definitely better than soft-serve ice cream, which is what you’ll usually find on a cruise ship.

As with any cruise ship, the Regal Princess has no shortage of bars. And, with the limited number of passengers, we rarely had to wait to get a drink at all! Of course, there are several different bars by the pool. There are also a number of bars scattered throughout the ship. 

Anytime we cruise, we are on the lookout for the “perfect bar” that is out of the way and relatively quiet. There’s just something about relaxing before or after dinner in a quiet spot that balances out the craziness of the rest of the ship. 

Honestly, this might be the one thing that the Regal Princess is lacking. We did find several bars that we liked, though, and since the ship really wasn’t crowded, we didn’t really need to escape the crowds.

Club 6, near the Casino, actually was one of the most secluded bars and carried a good variety of scotch, including Johnnie Walker Blue. We also liked the bar outside the Princess Live! area, though it’s not at all secluded. Additionally, we really enjoyed the Outriggers Bar at the Horizon Terrace in the evenings right around sunset. 

Honestly, though, there are plenty of places to get a drink and you can take it anywhere you want… even back to your room if that’s the only quiet place you can find.

Pro Tip: If you like high-end scotch (or other expensive drinks), it’s important to know that you will only be charged the difference between what the drink package covers and the actual cost of the drink. This means if your drink is $30 and the drink package covers up to $14, you’ll only pay the difference of $16. This is one reason why Grant usually splurges on a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue while cruising! 

Entertainment and Things to Do

The Regal Princess is a large ship, with all of the “standard” activities including a pool, multiple hot tubs, and basketball and volleyball courts. You’ll also find table tennis, a jogging track, a driving range, and even a bullseye (archery) range. Sadly, the bullseye range was closed during our cruise; that would have been really fun to check out!

Inside, there are a few shops, a casino, and various classes and trivia games offered throughout the day. On the at-sea days, the ship provided specialty programs including an ice carving demonstration by the pool and a cooking demonstration in the theater. We also enjoyed a specialty wine tasting (for an extra charge) on our first day. 

We have found that participating in the various activities is not only good entertainment but generally provides more insight into the ship and the cruise line, like the fact that the Regal Princess has 27 pastry chefs on board.

In terms of nightlife, there were scheduled shows in the Princess Theater each night. From comedy shows to musical revues, there was a good variety throughout the cruise. If you prefer something more relaxed, there were nightly Movies Under the Stars on the giant screen by the pool. 

While we found plenty of things to keep ourselves busy (and mostly just wanted to relax, anyway), it did feel like there were fewer scheduled activities than some other ships. Honestly, I think that was mostly due to the fact that our cruise was the first one of the season in the Caribbean and they just didn’t need as many activities since the ship was only at about 20% capacity.

We opted for a balcony room, which is generally our preference on any cruise. Our room was comfortable, though a little smaller than it has been on most other ships. While the room had a king bed and a small desk, it did not have any kind of sofa, which we definitely missed. It’s just nice to have that little bit of extra room to sit down.

Additionally, our balcony was a little small with barely enough room to sit and actually relax. Right next door, our friends’ room had an angled balcony, which did provide them more room outside but it also meant less privacy for both them and us. That really wasn’t a big deal but it’s not necessarily ideal if you don’t know your neighbor.

While the room was a little small, it had everything we really needed. 

Princess Medallion

Princess Cruise Lines uses a wearable medallion while onboard that serves as your stateroom key and onboard charge card. Additionally, the medallion helps to identify contact with others on board to assist with contact tracing in the event anyone does become sick. While some people might not like being tracked, it provided us some peace of mind. And, honestly, you can’t really hide on a cruise ship anyway.

We also liked that when ordering drinks we didn’t even have to fumble for a card. The bartender could see our medallion and “charge” our account without us even having to do anything. In the same manner, our medallion prompted our stateroom door to unlock as we neared, so we could just walk right in with ease.

I know that taking out a card to open a door or charge something at the bar really isn’t a difficult thing, but not having to deal with that just made our experience that much more relaxing.

Overall Impression of the Regal Princess

After sailing on six different ships between three different cruise lines, we’ve come to discover that there are many things that are fairly consistent on every cruise ship. The main differences are the number and types of different dining areas and bars and upgraded on board activities, such as a rock wall or pool slide.

Read more of our articles about cruising here.

Every cruise ship will have a main dining room and a buffet. They’ll all have a pool, a casino, and some sort of shopping. And each family will have different preferences for their onboard experience. Since we are just two adults, we don’t care about activities for children. Instead, our preference is for a quiet bar and a good variety of restaurants. 

The Regal Princess was a good standard cruise ship for all of those things. Admittedly, there weren’t really any upgraded “extras” in terms of things to do. But, it was a fairly short cruise so we didn’t need a lot on the ship. On the flip side, we were impressed by the dining options, especially for a short cruise. Honestly, we didn’t even really have time to get tired of any one option. 

In terms of the overall feel of the ship, it’s difficult to judge since there weren’t many people on board. The cruise definitely didn’t have the same energy that we’ve found on other cruises, but that’s because it was really just quiet. We loved that, though! The tough part is making sure our friend, Dave, who was on his first cruise, understands that this was not a “normal” cruise experience! 

And, while this cruise may not have been “normal,” it was still enjoyable and we are definitely looking forward to our next cruise! Now, we just need to figure out when that will be and where we will visit.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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Caribbean Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Caribbean Princess

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes *
• Beauty Salon *
• Dancing Classes
• Deck Parties
• Disco and Dancing
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Whirlpools (7)
• Internet Cafe *
• Lotus Spa *
• Outdoor Play Area
• Princess Links
• Solo Travelers Get Togethers
• Sports Court
• Steam Room *
• Thermal Suite *
• Grand Casino *
• Ultimate Ship Tour *
• Wine Tasting *
• The Sanctuary *
• The Beach House Teen Lounge
• Camp Discovery Youth Center
• Skywalkers Nightclub
• The Shops of Princess *
• Fine Arts Gallery *
• Photo Gallery *
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions Desk *
• Captains Circle Loyalty
• Future Cruise Planning *
• OceanMedallion
• OceanFront Gazebo
• Wedding Chapel
• Churchills Cigar Lounge *
• Self_Service Laundry *
• Medical Center
• Comedy Shows
• Movies Under the Stars
• Outdoor Movies
• Princess Theater
• Explorers Lounge
• Club Fusion
• Casino Bar - Casino Bar *
• Coral Dining Room - Main
• Island Dining Room - Main
• Palm Dining Room - Main
• Planks BBQ - Barbecue
• World Fresh Marketplace - Buffet
• International Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
• The Salty Dog Grill - Pool Grill
• Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
• Crooners Bar - Martini Bar *
• Slice - Pizza
• Calypso Bar - Pool Bar *
• Outriggers Bar - Pool Bar *
• Tradewinds Bar - Pool Bar *
• Wheelhouse Bar - Pub *
• Steamers Seafood - Seafood *
• Crown Grill - Steakhouse *
• Coffee and Cones - Sweet Treats *
• The Reef Bar - Deck Bar *
• The Mix - Pool Bar *
• Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 34
• Very Good 32
• Terrible 19
• All languages ( 123 )
• English ( 121 )
• Spanish ( 1 )
• French ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Caribbean Princess

Courtesy of Princess Cruises |

Find a Cruise on Caribbean Princess

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1862 guests have reviewed Caribbean Princess , giving it a rating of 3.9 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Beautiful ship, disappointed in food

Apr 12th, 2024

For me food is a BIG Deal. Mediocre doesn't do it. Also, we tried to reserve our dining room 3 days before from home, no availability. On the app, no availability. From our room TV, no availability. At guest services, no availabilty. In person at dining room. Had to do on a daily basis. It was a huge hassle.

Traveler Type

Very Disappointed

Apr 10th, 2024

This was a very disappointing cruise for my wife and I. Ship is very dated and shabby. 80% of the times we had coffee there were grounds in our cups. Our cabin toilet stopped flushing at least 3 times, which was unacceptable. Guest Services appeared to brush off the problems.

Apr 3rd, 2024

We booked this cruise and paid more than other cruises because it went to Grand Turks only for Princess to cancel this port of call. To say we were disappointed is an understatement.

Everything - especially the crew was wonderful except the food ! I actually lost weight !

Mar 30th, 2024

I love this ship - and I noticed there was a lot of staff this time. They really treated me well. My only complaint was the food. I could write about it in length, but they need a new Executive Chef. And luckily it is not my reason for cruising !

Singles/Friends

Disappointing experience

Mar 27th, 2024

We were disappointed with the unfriendly attitude of the wait staff . We think it is probably because they are over worked and underpaid . They looked miserable and resentful. I literally saw one who forced to put a smile on her face when a guest looked at her and immediately frowned when she turned away from the guest.

Mar 26th, 2024

Staff was great and friendly. Love every minute of it

Large Group

4-6 cruises

Relaxing cruise with my sister

Mar 15th, 2024

This was a very relaxing cruise for my sister and I we did not have any plans other than relaxing, and that was accomplished

Family (older children)

Crowded ship

Feb 28th, 2024

This was our first and last cruise with Princess. The ship was crowded and we were unable to enjoy several activities because there was no room or seats. The food was average. We have traveled on other cruise lines which were much better. The only positive was the staff. All were very helpful and pleasant.

Wonderful ship

Feb 15th, 2024

Great cruise - can highly recommend the ship. The staff could not do more for you. The medallion, the App and the internet were outstanding. We're doing another Princess cruise in the summer.

Caribbean Cruise

Feb 14th, 2024

The ship size is nice and Princess does a very good job. The crowd was older, which we like since we aren't traveling with kids. We were so disappointed that we only docked at 2 of the 4 islands and had to spend so many days at sea. Of course, we realize the weather is not the fault of the cruise line. They did credit each passenger $75 onboard credit on Friday evening because of this, but we had only Saturday to spend it and we were at sea. Since we had the premiere package, we didn't need photos or beverages and had to spend it at the stores. The lines were very long since everyone was trying to spend the money, and we bought stuff we really didn't need. Credit to our credit card would have been more appreciated.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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